Jeff Foster Is Back And Ready To Play For Pacers

Jeff Foster's back is almost back to normal and he's ready to get back on the court for the Indiana Pacers.

Foster joined former Pacers' beat writer and current NBA scribe/radio host, Mark Montieth for about an hour on air yesterday morning pronouncing himself fit and headed toward being ready to play full throttle by the time training camp rolls around. Foster played in only 16 games last season before shutting it down in mid-December and then eventually having back surgery in February. It wasn't an easy road back from surgery but Foster finally turned the corner and is now excited to join his teammates on the court again.

Foster's presence will be a nice boost for the young front-court players, especially in practice. Much easier to show the veteran-savvy-type little things that Magnum Rolle or Josh McRoberts need to be aware of and learn to utilize instead of just trying to tell them from the sidelines. Of course, the largest benefit from a healthy return by Foster will be his trade-deadline value for a title contender trying to shore up their front-court depth for the playoffs.

After making a living throwing himself at bigger bodies in the paint, Foster has played through varying levels of pain over the past couple of years so hopefully the surgery and time off have rejuvenated his body enough for a late push to finish his career strong.

After the jump, a few links of interest including a recap of Larry Bird's radio appearances, the CIB vote today, IU alum Lawrence Frank finding a new gig.

• PACERS: Trade talk, free agency, rookies Bird's talk-show topics
  Bruno wraps up all of the radio appearances Larryy Bird made earlier this week.
• Panel expects to vote today on Pacers deal
  The CIB will vote today to finalize the Fieldhouse operations deal with the Pacers.
• Frank Lands in Boston - NetsDaily
  Lawrence Frank, former IU manager and leading suspect for taping the classic Bob Knight tirade, has been doing a little TV since being let go by the Nets, but will head back to the sidelines as an assistant to Doc Rivers with the Boston Celtics.
• Summer League Buzz - CBSSports.com
  Ken Berger updates the latest rumblings from the Vegas summer league.
• Owner Chris Cohan agrees to sell Golden State Warriors for record $450M
  The sale of the Warriors for $450 million adds another bit of leverage to the players in the upcoming CBA negotiations.
• Rockets Keep Luis Scola, Add to Growing Payroll
  Tom Ziller comments on the Rockets shelling out more cash, this time signing Luis Scola to a five-year, $47 million deal.